Compact peristaltic vacuum pumps via multi-material extrusion

This study reports the design, fabrication, and characterization of the first 3D-printed peristaltic pumps for creating and maintaining dry vacuum in compact systems. The pumps implement a novel actuator design with a notched cross-section that requires less than half the force to fully seal, making it possible to create and maintain low vacuum at low actuation speed. The devices are made via multi-material extrusion: the rigid parts of the pumps are made in polylactic acid (PLA), while the compliant parts of the pumps are made in FiberFlex 40D-a relatively new flexible material that is easier to print than mainstream Ninjaflex, even though the two materials have similar hardness. A novel, analytical, reduced order model of a peristaltic vacuum pump is also presented to provide insights into its operation, while identifying the key parameters to optimize and improve its perfor-mance. Characterization of 3D-printed FiberFlex 40D demonstrates >105 cycles fatigue life, and its hyperelastic behavior is satisfactorily described by the Mooney Rivlin model. Experimental characterization of pump pro-totypes demonstrates the devices attain an order of magnitude lower base pressure than a state-of-the-art, single-stage, miniaturized diaphragm vacuum pump. The technology is of interest for in-situ, low-waste manufacturing of analytical hardware far from population centers, including in-space manufacturing and space colonization.

Automated summary

This study presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of the first 3D-printed peristaltic pumps for creating and maintaining dry vacuum in compact systems. The pumps utilize a novel actuator design that requires less force to seal, enabling low vacuum at low actuation speed. The devices are made of PLA and FiberFlex 40D, with the latter demonstrating satisfactory fatigue life and hyperelastic behavior. Experimental characterization shows that the prototypes achieve significantly lower base pressure compared to a state-of-the-art diaphragm vacuum pump. The technology is important for in-situ, low-waste manufacturing in remote areas, including space applications.